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Why do some surgeons approach the spine from the back and others through the abdomen? |
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It is a matter of preference but there are some good reasons for either approach. Some surgeons believe that being able to take out almost the entire disc from the front through the abdomen and having a greater surface area to fuse gives the best results. Going through the abdomen also does not put the nerves in the back at risk of being injured. However, most patients’ problems cannot be solved with only a front procedure but requires a back procedure as well. Other surgeons believe that the fusion and the decompression of nerves can all be done from the back. Therefore, they believe that going from the back avoids the risk having to perform a front and back procedure. Going only through the back also avoids injury to the bowels, urinary tract, and the sympathetic nerves so important to sexual organs.
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